We’re sharing the full text of the “accepted for publication” version of the article.

Title

Libraries as Co-Working Spaces: Understanding User Motivations and Perceived Barriers to Social Learning

Authors

Mark Bilandzic & Marcus Foth (2013)

Abstract: "This paper aims to inform design strategies for smart space technology to enhance libraries as environments for co-working and informal social learning. The focus is on understanding user motivations, behaviour, and activities in the library when there is no programmed agenda. The study analyses gathered data over five months of ethnographic research at ‘The Edge’ – a bookless library space at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, that is explicitly dedicated to co-working, social learning, peer collaboration, and creativity around digital culture and technology. The results present five personas that embody people’s main usage patterns as well as motivations, attitudes, and perceived barriers to social learning. It appears that most users work individually or within pre-organised groups, but usually do not make new connections with co-present, unacquainted users. Based on the personas, four hybrid design dimensions are suggested to improve the library as a social interface for shared learning encounters across physical and digital spaces. The findings in this paper offer actionable knowledge for managers, decision makers, and designers of technology-enhanced library spaces and similar collaboration and co-working spaces."

Imagine you're a book wanting a child to love you -- you got to go for the cheap laughs. Most of us like to laugh, especially kids. So when you have a child who doesn't want to read, for whatever reason, try to get them engaged in a silly story.

We’re sharing the full text of the “accepted for publication” version of the article.

Title

Libraries as Co-Working Spaces: Understanding User Motivations and Perceived Barriers to Social Learning

Authors

Mark Bilandzic & Marcus Foth (2013)

Abstract: "This paper aims to inform design strategies for smart space technology to enhance libraries as environments for co-working and informal social learning. The focus is on understanding user motivations, behaviour, and activities in the library when there is no programmed agenda. The study analyses gathered data over five months of ethnographic research at ‘The Edge’ – a bookless library space at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, that is explicitly dedicated to co-working, social learning, peer collaboration, and creativity around digital culture and technology. The results present five personas that embody people’s main usage patterns as well as motivations, attitudes, and perceived barriers to social learning. It appears that most users work individually or within pre-organised groups, but usually do not make new connections with co-present, unacquainted users. Based on the personas, four hybrid design dimensions are suggested to improve the library as a social interface for shared learning encounters across physical and digital spaces. The findings in this paper offer actionable knowledge for managers, decision makers, and designers of technology-enhanced library spaces and similar collaboration and co-working spaces."

A startup charity is hoping to create a mobile learning library in the cloud that can help turn access to tablets, smartphones, and legacy phones into useful content at resource-starved schools in developing countries.

You may never be a part of marching in the streets. I hope you never have to face a mob of looters, but you will be part of a revolution. Librarians are radical…

Lis Marrow's insight:

as a prep for SLANZA 2013 and our own conversation in how we are applying the principals of the Atlas in our school communities....revisit this webinar where some of us were lucky enough to converse with Lankes himself!

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